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Posted on 28 Sep 2017

Two assistant speech and language therapists from the Trust have won a national award for their work in helping patients with communication difficulties.

Jacqueline Duffy and Nicola Headland, from the Trust's Community Learning Disability Team in Newark, were presented with a Giving Voice Award during a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on 27 September. The award was presented by HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO.  

The Giving Voice Awards are hosted by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists to recognise people who have raised awareness of how speech and language therapy transforms lives.

Jacqueline and Nicola received the award for their commitment to supporting patients with communication difficulties and raising awareness of inclusive communication amongst staff at the Trust. 

Despite their busy day jobs, Jacqueline and Nicola volunteered to help deliver the Accessible Information Standard, a framework set out by NHS England to simplify information for disabled patients and their carers. The pair worked collaboratively and often in their spare time to develop a resource pack, eLearning package and DVD to help staff  communicate effectively with patients and carers.

Following the win, Jacqueline said: “Raising awareness of inclusive communication across the Trust and helping to improve inclusive access to our services was rewarding in its own right. We’re really proud and excited to have won the Giving Voice Award. We’re part of an amazing team.”

Sian Wood, Clinical Lead Speech and Language Therapist for the Trust, nominated Jacqueline and Nicola for the award.

“I am delighted that Jacqueline and Nicola’s hard work has been recognised at a national level" said Sian. "They are inspirational members of the team who are committed to the work they do every day, without any expectation of thanks.” 

For further information about Giving Voice and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists visit www.givingvoiceuk.org and www.rcslt.org